Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

Uranus nodded solemnly in response to Fels's confirmation.

The guild headquarters' underground "prayer hall".

On the altar with four burning torches, Uranus and Fels are reading a letter sent by the Loki Familia.

"Instead of forming mixed teams with the 'Heretics,' we'll use them as separate units... In other words, the 'Heretics' will attack from the 18th floor, while the adventurers will attack the man-made labyrinth from the surface... [Hero] is incredibly fast. If we're on the same side, no one is more reliable than him."

Considering the lingering negative emotions towards monsters, separating the adventurers from the "heroes" is reasonable. While pursuing their "ideals," the heroes will never blindly believe in them. Furthermore, the letter states that the "heroes" faction will be led by Fels.

Seeing Finn even as a magicianHe made good use of all his skills, and Fels couldn't help but reveal his admiration for Fels's skillful command beneath his black robe.

"I can accept this request. Uranus, what about you?"

"No objection."

"Then, I will provide them with 'eye crystals'""If we can establish contact within the artificial maze, the mapping for the first wave of the attack can likely be made much more accurate."

Fels pulled a fist-sized crystal from his black robes, a crystal capable of transmitting visual and auditory information. He then used this precious magical artifact...Entrusting it to them for safekeeping serves as proof of the Fels camp's trust in them, and also demonstrates his determination to defeat those lurking in the man-made labyrinth no matter what.

"Fels, how many troops can 'The Heretics' send to participate in the war?"

"Including the lizardman <Reed>, the songbird <Rey>, and the gargoyle <Gross>, there are about thirty 'heretics' who can move. The only one we heard about is the bull <Asterios> who went to the 'deep' without being stopped. We don't know when he will return, so it's best to assume he won't be able to participate in the first wave of the attack."

In the guild's official announcement, the jet-black bull, the Minotaur, was classified as Lv. 7. While Fels regretted not being able to wield that power, he didn't dwell on it and quickly adjusted his mindset.

Although the agreement was limited to this particular man-made maze raid, Finn's request for "cooperation" meant that Uranus and his group's actions would not be restricted. Moreover, since it was also for the sake of protecting the city's peace, they wouldn't hesitate to cooperate with the Loki Familia.

Just as Fels and Uranus continued their discussion, a new figure visited the altar.

"Hey, having a war meeting? It seems you've already reached an agreement with Loki's side."

"Hermes, the god..."

The appearance of a divine object caused Fels to turn his head to look, and Uranus also looked at the god.

"Ah—finally, I can finally put down this heavy burden. After all, I felt like I was a double agent before."

"..."

"I won't be suspected by Loki and the others anymore, and I won't have stomach aches anymore."

Hermes took off his hat and said sarcastically. But it didn't sound sarcastic; he probably genuinely felt relieved.

In fact, Hermes, who was involved in the "Heretics" affair, had done almost exactly as he described. While forming an alliance with Loki and others, he also tracked down the remnants of the Dark Faction. Uranus and the others only praised his hard work and did not blame him. Except for his unauthorized attempt to eliminate the "Heretics".

Because of the incident during the battle of the labyrinth street, Fels didn't seem to have much affection for Hermes, exuding an atmosphere of rejection. Uranus, on the other hand, could only be described as maintaining his composure, showing no sign of wavering.

"...I have a lot to say to you, but Hermes, may I ask first why you have kick marks on your face? And it looks like you were hit by a beautiful double flying kick."... "

"Ha, ha, ha, if you're being kind, you shouldn't ask such a question. If you really have to answer, just say I went to settle things with that little goddess."

When asked this question by Fels with a lot of suspicion, the handsome god with clear red marks on his face chuckled a few times.

"What brings you here, Hermes?"

"Seriously, we don't even need to exchange pleasantries, you urban design genius. Alright then, I'll get straight to the point."

When Uranus asked him, Hermes abandoned his jovial attitude and made a request:

"The operation to conquer the artificial labyrinth will begin soon... I hope you can keep Bell and the others—the Hestia Familia—away from this."

Ignoring Fels' reaction and flinching, Hermes continued:

"During the battle in the labyrinthine street, he advanced to another level, even transcending the insignificant divine will of the god disguised as a clown. He has just been reborn like this, and I don't want to immediately drag him into such bloody battles again. At least not yet."

The guild has announced that Bell Crane has "leveled up to Lv.4".

Hermes made this suggestion as if to show respect for the boy's astonishing growth rate, and also as if he did not want his "glory" to fade.

Uranus and Fels, who had stopped moving, did not refuse.

Instead, they expressed their agreement and accepted the proposal.

"Yes. Bell Craney has done his best in the matter of 'Heretics,' and we do not wish to burden him with any more."

"But Hermes, the god? You said to keep him away from this matter, but how exactly should that be done?"

"Propose mandatory tasks"Just ask the Hestia Familia to go on an "expedition". Bell's little brother is leveling up.This makes the faction hierarchyHaving reached D level, conquering dungeons should be an obligation.

Hermes answered Fels' question in a relaxed tone.

This indicates that during the large-scale operation involving Uranus and others to conquer the artificial labyrinth, they should simply go to the dungeon.

"Doing this so soon after leveling up is a bit hasty... but if we say that the 'Guild' has high hopes for the [Hestia Familia], perhaps that will convince everyone. I understand, I'll make the arrangements."

"Yes, please."

After discussing the boy's affairs, Uranus steered the conversation back to the main topic.

"Hermes, what are your plans regarding the man-made maze strategy operation?"

"Of course, my [Family] will join as well. I should say, if I were to withdraw now, neither Loki nor Uranus would let me off the hook, would they?"

Hermes shrugged at him, then narrowed his orange-yellow eyes.

"Although we've come full circle, we're finally approaching the end. We'll expose the true nature of 'Enior' in this war."

"Ernie".

In the language of the gods, it means "urban destroyer".

This mysterious figure is not only connected to remnants of the dark faction, but also to underground forces such as the "Filthy Fairy," and is attempting to "destroy the Labyrinth City." They believe this person is the instigator and culprit of this incident.

"Let the Loki Familia and the 'Heretics' handle the main operations of this massive campaign. My children will work behind the scenes... to gather evidence."

Hermes took a chess piece from his pocket.

Black King.

He twirled and played with it in his hand as if it were an "urban destroyer, Ernie," and then held it tightly.

Hermes and his men surrounded the man-made labyrinth, essentially making a checkmate..

Moreover, they will press their advantage and checkmate their opponent..

Hermes, who lost his child in this incident, also had a resolute look in his eyes.

Uranus and his followers responded with silence instead of agreement.

"So, what is the date of the start of the war? Since this is the final battle, there must be a lot of preparations to be made, right?"

Hermes regained his carefree demeanor and shifted his gaze to the letter in Fels's hand.

The black-clad magician's gaze fell on Finn's letter containing a battle plan, and he replied, "Oh."

"The scheduled start date for the operation is—"

Illustration 52535

"Wait, Lv.4...!! I've been caught up...!?"

Lefia gripped the news report about an adventurer's level-up tightly in both hands, her whole body trembling.

The paper featured an exquisite portrait of the white-haired boy and extensively reported that the faction had received orders for a mandatory "expedition."

"What's Lefia getting so excited about?"

"Argonaut must have leveled up. We should be happy for him!"

Seeing Lefia raise the intelligence journal high in front of her and tremble violently, Tione looked surprised, while Tiona smiled happily.

The Amazon girl thought that the girl, who had been worrying about Ais all day, was finally feeling better, but little did she know that the elf herself was being struck by shock and trembling.

"—You've all arrived."

At that moment, Rivera appeared.

Lefia and her group were in the main restaurant at the base camp.

They were told there was important news to announce, and almost all members of the [Family], from the executives to the lower-ranking members, were summoned. Only Ais was absent.

"The entire plan for conquering the man-made maze has been finalized. From now on, you must listen carefully to every word I say."

Instead of the busy Finn, Rivera relayed the battle plan to the group members.

The group members wore serious, almost menacing expressions as they listened intently to the message being conveyed.

"Rivia—when will this operation begin?"

Tiona, who speaks without considering the atmosphere, raised her hand and asked a question.

To this question, Rivera nodded in response:

"The operation will begin in ten days."

Side Story: Sword Oratoria 11 Chapter 3 The True Face of God

A god and his retinue walked along a road shrouded in morning mist.

One is a handsome man with blond hair and a dashing appearance.

The other is an elf girl with long, shiny black hair and crimson eyes.

The handsome man held several bouquets of flowers in his hands. The large, predominantly white flowers swayed gently.

Ahead on the road, a figure was waiting for them.

"...Loki?"

Hearing Dionysus's whisper, Loki, accompanied by Lephid Adam's guards, responded and raised a hand.

Do you come here often?

Loki watched his idol's retreating figure as he presented flowers and asked a question.

Loki and her companions, along with Dionysus and Philweis, arrived at the "First Cemetery" in the southeastern part of the city—commonly known as the "Adventurers' Cemetery."

This burial ground, prepared specifically for adventurers who perished, was lined with countless white tombstones. Because it was still early, there was no one else around except Loki and his companions, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

"Hmm... In order not to forget this feeling, I often make time to come here."

Dionysus stood up, and before him lay several stone tablets. Beneath these tablets lay the remains of his family.

More than four months ago, Dionysus lost his kin. It is highly likely that he witnessed something related to the "variegated monster".

He joined forces with Loki and others to track down the real culprit in order to avenge his family.

"..."

Loki, being a god, knew that offering flowers at graves was a meaningless act.

The children's souls have already returned to heaven. Buried beneath this tombstone is merely a lump of flesh, devoid of any regrets to be appeased, nor of anyone who died without remorse. Dionysus did this simply to imitate the customs of those on earth.

However, Loki at this moment did not feel that this was a meaningless act.

Loki also lost many of his beloved companions in the man-made labyrinth.

"What did you talk to them about?"

"I apologize. That's all I can say."

Loki had originally wanted to follow his example and express to the children the only apology the gods left on Earth could offer, but he gave up on that idea.

She decided to wait until she severed the root of all evil that had taken the lives of the girl <Line> and others before engaging in this seemingly sentimental act.

Instead, Lefia beside her lowered her gaze, while Philweis closed her eyes, revealing no emotion.

"Loki, I should have said that all the gods in the city are suspects, enemies of the children."

"……yes."

"I will avenge the children. I will make the God who caused all this pay."

After gazing at the tomb for a long time, Dionysus spoke, expressing his will.

These words sounded like a vow he kept hidden in his heart.

"Loki, let me guess what you're thinking? You think my Familia will be a burden to you, and you don't plan to let us participate in the upcoming man-made dungeon raid or provide assistance."

"..."

"However, I must still say—please let us participate in this operation."

Dionysus slowly turned around, his eyes piercing straight through Loki.

Loki silently opened one of his narrowed eyes.

"I've heard about Uranus and his group, and I've learned that their secret isn't the truth I'm seeking. In the end, I'm nothing but a clown. I know I'm not trustworthy... but I still hope you can take us with you."